LBA 438

LBA 438 - Seminar in Liberal Arts

Each Liberal Arts major completes a multidisciplinary capstone project. The student
works with three mentors on a topic of interest that stems from the student's self-defined
fields of study. LBA 438 is the support class that accompanies the capstone project;
in this class, students enhance their research and technology skills while drafting
and revising the research and analysis sections of the final project. LBA 438 capstone
projects are intended to be of superior quality, ready to be used as writing samples
for career and graduate school searches. Exemplary LBA 438 projects are highlighted
and linked below.

Zona Ascensio, Double Major, Liberal Arts (Fields: Anthropology and Social Philosophy)
and Spanish"Cross-Cultural Curing: The Role of Traditional Medicine in the Yucatan and What Western
Medicine Can Learn"Abstract: Research and observational data define the role and demonstrate the legitimacy
of traditional medicine as it is practiced in the Yucatan. This project advocates
for the integration of the Western and traditional medical models rather than viewing
the two healthcare approaches as incompatible.

Mariśca D. Martin Mozeleski, Major, Liberal Arts (Fields: Biology and Psychology/Linguistics);
Double Minor, Art and German"The Cognitive and Linguistic Benefits of Study Abroad for All Students"Abstract: Study abroad or foreign study programs are widely promulgated throughout
secondary and higher education, nevertheless there are few studies that concretely
quantify the benefits always heralded. But there are undeniable benefits to the students
who take part. Cognitive benefits include an elevation in creative thinking and intellectual
development. Second language acquisition, if a student is studying abroad for that
purpose, as well as enhanced intercultural and international communication skills
are also clear benefits. All students, whether they are learning a second language
or not, should study abroad, especially in this age of globalization and intense international
bonds between countries.

Kaitlyn Krolikowski, Major, Liberal Arts (Fields: Chemistry and Evolutionary Anthropology
and Archaeology); Minor, Agriculture"Rheumatoid Arthritis: Put Down the Steak" Abstract: A study of the differences of prevalence rates for rheumatoid arthritis
in different countries which may reveal that there is an environmental factor that
causes it. Data shows that there is a difference in prevalence rate from rural to
urban populations. An urban population of a similar genetic background shows an increase
in the prevalence rate of rheumatoid arthritis from its rural counterpart. Examples
of this are shown among the Pakistanis, Spaniards, and Africans. Although many factors
differ between rural and urban populations that could affect the prevalence rate of
rheumatoid arthritis, diet may be a leading factor. A change in diet to a more westernized
diet may be the environmental factor that increases an individual’s susceptibility
to rheumatoid arthritis. This study seeks to suggest that there is correlation between
diet and rheumatoid arthritis.